Top Ten Stories of 2006: 7) Internet Videos Spread Inspiration and Hugs

By Good News Network Saturday, December 23, 2006

Archives - Year in Review

• Utilizing YouTube and MySpace, citizens are uploading inspiring videos bringing tears to the eyes of millions whom they've never met -- and hugs.

• A video documenting the real life story of Juan Mann whose sole mission was giving free hugs to strangers on a crowded pedestrian street in Sydney became so popular on You Tube, that it has been viewed almost 8 million times since September. It sparked others to go out with hand-painted signs offering Free Hugs, and also landed him on Oprah.

• Another example of a video that spread virally though e-mail and blogs was an autistic kid shooting a miracle round of basketball for his high school team, the first time he was ever on the court.

• The You in YouTube was honored this year as Time's Person of the Year, not just for videos, but for all the citizen journalists who blogged and uploaded their point of view for all to see.